Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining. Tender cod fillets are baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and thyme, then garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Serve it with roasted veggies, rice, or a simple salad for a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cod fillets
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, and thyme.
Place fillets in the prepared baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over them.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Make it a meal by serving with steamed asparagus, couscous, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Substitute with halibut, haddock, or tilapia if cod isn’t available.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a hint of heat.
Double the lemon butter sauce and spoon extra over rice or veggies for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15–20 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: undefined
Unsaturated Fat: undefined
Trans Fat: undefined
Carbohydrates: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: lemon butter cod, baked cod, easy fish dinner, weeknight seafood, healthy baked fish, lemon garlic fish